The Daily

How TikTok Became a Matter of National Security

Mar 20, 2023

Sapna Maheshwari, a business reporter for The New York Times, dives into the national security concerns surrounding TikTok, a favorite app among one-third of Americans. She uncovers the implications of its Chinese ownership, including potential data privacy risks and influence tactics. The conversation highlights TikTok's explosive growth during the pandemic and its role in mobilizing users politically. Maheshwari also discusses the Biden administration's efforts to regulate the app amid fears of data breaches and foreign exposure of personal information.

28:50

Creator website

Episode guests

Sapna Maheshwari

Highlights

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Episode notes

TikTok: The Threat to American Privacy

01:53

Intro

2min

TikTok: Security Concerns and Innovation

4min

TikTok's Rise and Political Impact

10min

National Security Concerns Surrounding TikTok

2min

TikTok Under Scrutiny: National Security and Data Privacy

8min

Navigating National Security and Global Tech Challenges

5min

TikTok, the app known for short videos of lip syncing, dancing and bread baking, is one of the most popular platforms in the country, used by one out of every three Americans.

In recent weeks, the Biden administration has threatened to ban it over concerns that it poses a threat to national security.

Guest: Sapna Maheshwari, a business reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading:

TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, is being investigated over possible spying on journalists.
Why countries are trying to ban TikTok.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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